Port Townsend - A Victorian Treasure of Washington

 
Port Townsend is a city located on the picturesque north end of the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington. Port Townsend features various Victorian buildings, diverse cultural events and praises itself on one of the best historical districts in the state.

Founded in the mid-19th century, Port Townsend is an amazing travel back in time with its natural scenery and the lovely buildings preserved from that era. Captain George Vancouver named it after his close friend the Marquis of Townshend in the late 18th century. Having Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park nearby, Port Townsend is just the right place for a vacation any time of the year. It also features amazing views towards Puget Sound, which combined with the specific charm of the place creates one of the most romantic places in Washington State.

Start your tour in Port Townsend with the beautiful collection of its Victorian houses. Some of them are still being used but this won't hinder your sightseeing. Start with the Carnegie Library, Elk Lodge and the Rose Theater and continue to the Jefferson County Courthouse. The last is one of the finest examples of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture with its stunning bell tower 125 feet high. Then, head to the Jefferson County Historical Museum where you can explore Native American heritage and learn all about the first Europeans who settled in the area. Point Wilson Lighthouse is another must-see site in Port Townsend. It is located on the coast and continues to serve as a guide to the passing ships. It was originally constructed in the late 19th century and you can admire its romantic appearance as well as the striking views it offers from the top.

Don't miss the intriguing art galleries of the city as well as the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.

If you want to explore an old military base, Fort Worden State Park is your place. Nowadays, the site offers various activities as well as great spots for picnicking, camping and enjoying the nice weather of Port Townsend. You can also check the event schedule, as the park is often host to interesting events.

You simply can't visit Port Townsend and not go to Olympic National Park. Here you can explore so many different kinds of nature from the beautiful pacific coast to alpine districts to an amazing, mild rainforest. Other than hiking and exploring in nature, you can also take part in all kinds of water sports. Just imagine a place where you can sunbathe on the beach and climb a glacier-capped peak. Sounds great, doesn't it?

Sounds like Olympic National Forest, which surrounds the park and the magnificent Olympic Mountains. The landscape is truly diverse from saltwater beaches to wild rivers, lowland lakes and mountain terrain and mild rainforest. Other great parks to hike and enjoy nature are Old Fort Townsend, Sequim Bay State Park and Anderson Lake State Park.

Port Townsend is full of outdoor activities. Here you can bike, sea kayak, and hike as you already know, but you can also fish, boat and sail. Traditionally, in the northwest Pacific, you can take a bird or whale watching tour and Port Townsend is no exception. Its close location to Puget Sound gives you plenty of opportunities to enjoy various animals in their natural habitat.
Port Townsend has a really diverse cultural and sports events program. Some of the best goings-on to attend are the Jefferson County Fair, the Victorian Festival, the Wooden Boat Festival, the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium and the Rhody Bike and Run Tour.

Discover Victorian America in Port Townsend!